Bala Buhari Emerges LONOBACAN National President As Makurdi Convention Ushers In New Era
By Our Correspondent
Members of the Lokoja National Old Barracks Children Association of Nigeria (LONOBACAN) converged on Makurdi, Benue State, from November 6 to 8, 2026, for the 15th Annual Convention of the association, an event that ended with the election of a new National Executive Council and a renewed commitment to unity, love and care.
Held at SG Resorts and Suites, RGA, Makurdi, the convention brought together members from across the federation to renew the bonds that have held the association together over the years and to chart a new course for its future.
Deliberations at the convention focused on key welfare and development issues, including the donation of learning materials to Army Children Primary School, Lokoja, strengthening support for less privileged members, and actualising the long-standing dream of a National Secretariat in Lokoja.
The major highlight of the convention was the election of a new National Executive Council. The nine-member council is led by Mr. Bala Buhari, who emerged as National President, with Daula James as Vice President and Mrs. Rosemary Dakas as National Secretary.
Others elected are Baba Abdulrazak as Assistant Secretary, Hompti Elhanas as Treasurer, Lydia Joseph as Financial Secretary, James Misah as Auditor-General, Esther Nnamdi as Director of Socials, and Patrick Dawah as Publicity Secretary.
The election was conducted by the Board of Trustees led by its Chairman, Rev. Christopher Emmanuel Damcher, in an atmosphere described by participants as peaceful, transparent and unifying.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Buhari thanked members, the Board of Trustees and the outgoing leadership for the confidence reposed in him. He said the election produced no victor and no vanquished, but a stronger and more united LONOBACAN, and promised to run an inclusive administration that will carry every member along.
Participants commended the Local Organising Committee for a well-organised convention and praised Benue State for its exceptional hospitality, rich delicacies and the famous Tiv dance that thrilled members throughout the event.
The convention ended with members expressing optimism that the new leadership would deepen the ideals of the association and take it to greater heights.
